# Rahane blames loss of seniors for India’s Test decline 2026-08-07T18:03:57+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Ajinkya Rahane has blamed India's Test cricket struggles over the past two years on the rapid departure of senior players. Speaking on the 'Stick to Cricket' podcast, the former India vice-captain said the longer format requires a core of seven to eight experienced cricketers to guide younger talent, but that senior players have left one by one since the 2023 WTC final loss. India suffered series whitewashes against New Zealand and South Africa, and a 1-4 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leaving them fifth in the WTC standings. With stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin retired from Tests, only KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja remain from the batting core of the 2010s. The upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, starting August 15 at Galle, will feature a young squad led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul as vice-captain. Rahane said new players have come in over the last two years but that Test cricket needs senior cricketers to be respected. ## Coverage - rediff.com - sports.ndtv.com - sports.ndtv.com Tags: Ajinkya Rahane, India Test cricket, senior players, Shubman Gill, team transition, WTC Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/rahane-blames-senior-player-exodus-for-indias-test-struggles/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/rahane-blames-senior-player-exodus-for-indias-test-struggles/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.